Happy birthday, S!

Dear S,

I can't believe you're 11! I'm so proud of the girl you've become. You're kind to kids who need a friend, you sincerely try to be fair to everyone, and you're making such great choices. I'm so glad we got the chance to go on our special trip to the Bahamas. I know sometimes it's hard to have your voice heard in a family of seven, so it was great to have some special one-on-one time together. I love you, sweetie!

Love,

Mom

Paradise

Last week, S and I had the grand opportunity to go on a trip to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas with my in-laws. The top leaders from our company attended, including several granddaughters around S's age.We were there for several days and had a fabulous time going on waterslides, interacting with dolphins, lazing down the lazy river (the longest and best one I've ever seen), eating and eating and eating, and snorkeling in the ocean. It was truly delightful and I'm so thankful to my in-laws for inviting us, and to my husband, who braved it at home with the boys and the twins.

Catch-up

And now, to do some catching up with recent activities. We had a lot of fun at my sister-in-law's wedding and reception. The boys (surprisingly, really) danced the night away and the twins were in heaven at the candy bar. We all had a great time. And a few weeks ago, I took the older kids to see Mary Poppins with some of A's family members. It was fantastic.

 

Coming home

A while ago, I noticed something about the twins. Whenever anyone in the family leaves the house, one (or both) of them will ask, "You come home?" They're fine with people leaving as long as they know you'll come back. And since taking them with you adds an extra amount of chaos to any activity, they stay home a fair amount.

 

After A's sister Megan got married a few weeks ago, she moved with her new husband to California. Months ago, N developed such a precious crush on Cam, Megan's then fiancé. And actually, she became quite attached to both of them, following Megan around my in-laws' house, wearing her rather high heels, stealing her lip gloss, and giving her kisses.

After Megan and Cam got married, I tried to explain to N that they would be moving far away. I wondered if her little mind could grasp the concept. Her first question, of course, was, "They come home?" Yes, sweet girl, they'll come back at Christmastime. Luckily, since little kids don't have a great concept of time anyway, it will seem like no time at all to N. And in the meantime, I get to hear N try and say, "California," which always makes me smile.

Beds and potties

When A2 climbed out of his crib one night, we realized it was probably way past time to put the twins in beds. And honestly, I can't believe it took them this long to climb out. So, we took advantage of a Labor Day sale and got new beds and a dresser. They stay in their beds for the most part, although I do lock their bathroom at night so they don't have fun with water.

And last week, I started potty training—for real this time. I've been doing it half-heartedly for a while, but I just decided to take the plunge and do it. They're doing really well, but I have to say, potty training twins is much harder than just one kid. And between potty training, work, helping with homework, making dinner, and everything else, I'm barely handling it all. So, let's hope these crazies potty train quickly. For all of our sakes.